UTSA College of Business hosts H-E-B Career Action Program conference Oct. 10

H-E-B Career Action Program Conference

By Wendy Frost
Director of Communications, College of Business

(Oct. 8, 2014) -- The UTSA College of Business will host a daylong conference on Friday, Oct. 10 for students enrolled in the H-E-B Career Action Program (CAP). The signature professional development program offers 15 hours of professional development to business students.

The program is available to students who have completed or are currently enrolled in the required business course, MGT 3003 Business Communication and Professional Development, and offers a comprehensive overview of résumé writing, interviewing and job placement along with workshops where students practice interviewing, making introductions, networking and business etiquette.

Students who participate in CAP receive access to these events:

• Becoming a Professional
• Career Fair Preparation
• Evaluating a Job Offer
• Phone Interview Tips and Techniques

CAP Conference
The conference introduces students to the finer points of the business world. Workshops include Make the Right Impression in 30 Seconds, Becoming a Professional, The Art of Dining and The Way of Business. The workshops are geared toward further educating students about real-world situations and determining strategies to stand out from the crowd. A formal luncheon, keynote speaker and company information sessions round out the experience and allow business students to begin their professional development journey.

Résumé development
What does your résumé say about you? Cover letters and résumés are the first impression you provide a company. CAP provides résumé advice through UTSA career counselors and Center for Student Professional Development (CSPD) staff. Students review writing techniques, discuss usage of action verbs, and are given samples to use as reference for preparing their personal résumé for review and feedback. A good résumé will allow students the opportunity to advance in the hiring process to the next step -- the interview.

Mock interview session
Practice makes perfect! The mock interview places students in an interactive session with potential employers. Students are expected to attend their mock interview dressed in business-professional attire and participate in a series of common interview questions. The CSPD recruits business professionals from the San Antonio area to serve as volunteers and offer valuable feedback to student participants.

Speed networking event
Networking is among the best ways to find a job. In the business world, the idea of networking is not new. By associating with other people and companies that play an important role in your field, it is possible to plant the seeds of a relationship that can grow and flourish into future employment opportunities. To assist our students, CAP offers a speed networking event as a high-level experiential learning activity that allows students to practice mingling with San Antonio area business volunteers.

Student testimonials

"My CAP experience was very rewarding. I felt I received a lot of advice that would enhance my professional development in school and at any job opportunity.
-- Ashley L., marketing major

"It was a really insightful experience. I learned a lot, especially on how to portray myself. Also, I learned many things that will help me in obtaining a job. Not only that, but the dining etiquette was nice to learn. At the same time, I was able to network and meet many interesting new people."
-- Darren C., management major

"I loved the program! I feel like I learned so much that will help me be a successful business person, and I know I have a great advantage over the students who have yet to participate."
-- Kaitlyn J., international business major

The H-E-B CAP gives students the chance to network with companies across San Antonio. Participating companies in CAP events include Valero, AT&T, Padgett Stratemann, Rackspace Hosting, Wells Fargo, H-E-B, USAA, Tesoro and Aerotek.

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For more information about the Career Action Program conference and the program, contact the UTSA Center for Student Professional Development at 210-458-4039.

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